Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · May 2008
The Glostavent: evolution of an anaesthetic machine for developing countries.
The sophisticated anaesthetic machines designed for use in modem hospitals are not appropriate for many parts of the developing world, as they are reliant on regular servicing by skilled engineers and an uninterrupted supply of electricity and compressed gases, which are not always available. The Glostavent has been designed specifically to meet the challenges faced by anaesthetists working in these countries. ⋯ Feedback from widespread use throughout the developing world over the last 10 years has led to significant improvements to the original design. This article describes the basic components of the original version and the modifications which have been introduced as a result of practical experience in the developing world.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · May 2008
Australian anaesthetists' practice of sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy in adult patients.
A wide spectrum of practice in sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy in adult patients is documented overseas, but a current profile of the practice of Australian anaesthetists is unavailable. We therefore surveyed 200 Fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists on the choice of drugs and monitoring, use of analgesic throat spray and prophylactic intravenous fluids and the depth of sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy. Our response rate was 57% and endoscopy formed a significant part of most respondents' practices. ⋯ However over 20% of patients having gastroscopy or colonoscopy did not have non-invasive blood pressure monitoring. A maximum depth of sedation during which the patient was unresponsive to painful stimulation (commensurate with general anaesthesia) was targeted by 54% of respondents. Significant variations exist in the practice of sedation and monitoring for endoscopy in adult patients by anaesthetists in Australia.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · May 2008
Letter Case ReportsRemifentanil for supraventricular tachycardia.